Gov. Corbett working to keep campaign education pledges

YOUR VIEW

Mr. R. Paul Baumgartner (Your View, March 28) claims that the governor has not "made good" on his campaign pledges to focus his attention on Pennsylvania's education system. The truth is quite the opposite. Gov. Corbett has relentlessly worked to accomplish and keep the pledges he made to the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The governor's education policies focus on what is in the best interests of Pennsylvania's students. Gov. Corbett has made school funding a top priority in his first two budgets by increasing state support for public education by $828 million.

The 2011-12 budget restored the state's financial support to schools, which was slashed by the prior administration and artificially inflated with temporary federal stimulus money. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to Pennsylvania's schools by proposing to increase state funding for education by $100 million in his 2012-13 budget proposal.

Gov. Corbett's education reform agenda includes providing low-income students opportunities to escape failing schools; proposing a new comprehensive educator evaluation tool — something not undertaken in more than 40 years — that will ensure that every student receives a world-class education from an effective teacher; and implementing rigorous, end-of-course assessments (Keystone Exams) to ensure that students are adequately prepared for college or to enter the workforce.

In terms of mandate relief, Gov. Corbett proposes to eliminate burdensome reporting requirements on school districts to allow for greater flexibility and time to focus on the business of educating students. This includes the governor's proposal to fund school districts with a Student Achievement Education Block Grant, which will provide districts with greater flexibility in how they use their state funding.

Mr. Baumgartner does make a valid point regarding the cost of public education in Pennsylvania. Combining federal, state and local revenues, Pennsylvania taxpayers invest $26 billion in public education each year — a number that has doubled in 15 years.

The author suggests that it is possible for public education entities to reduce their expenses without sacrificing quality — a sentiment shared by the Corbett administration.

For the governor's education reform agenda to be implemented, support of the state Legislature is needed and requested. Our democratic form of government requires input from the executive and legislative branches to reach consensus for changes to be enacted.

Tim Eller is the press secretary of the state Department of Education.